Hello, my name is Jane. I have joined these forums because I am not able to attend AA meetings in my city for various reasons. This is, unfortunately, the only way for me to vocalize my problem. I am determined to make do with the means that I have.I have been able to conceal my problem for a long time, but I am very, very tired. It's best I mention that I don't know much about the AA program, but I promise to do my research. I hope to gain some advice and support here, and I offer the same. I am very excited to be here.

Welcome to e-AA Jane. As I mentioned in another thread that book can be pretty confusing, the chapters 'The Doctors Opinion' and 'More About Alcoholism' are however pretty easy reading. If you just Google aa.org and under literature you will see many leaflets, these explain the program quite well. There are sites all over the net about AA some good and a few who just go in for 'AA bashing,' but I guess that applies to most things, some folks just like to speak crap about others.

No doubt you have good reasons for not attending live meetings, providing being scared to do so, or feeling that your job will suffer if people recognize you, or just a lack of transport are not the reason, then I guess you will have better reasons. Many come here with those reasons and are still encouraged to attend, they usually come back and say their fears were unfounded. But of course it is possible to do this program without meetings, you can investigate online meetings, but really these things were designed for those who live or work in areas without access to meetings, or for those who are bedridden.

Please ask any other questions you may have, as you will discover helping each other is part of the AA program, a part we enjoy because it helps us as well.

"Good morning, this is your Higher Power speaking. I will not be needing your help today."

I am glad you found us on the huge www! We are a pretty active forum and I hope you find here what I have found ~ a great group of alcoholics in recovery helping each other and the newcomer. Just let us know what you need and we will try to help!

I hope you get to a meeting soon. No better way than jumping right in! It truly is anonymous and anyone you see at a "closed" meeting is there because they too have a desire to stop drinking. But there are so many meetings that you could likely travel out-of-town a short distance and find a meeting there too.

If I'm not able to say how I'm working my program today, then I'm not working my program.The e-AA Group's 7th Tradition link: www.e-aa.org/group_seventh.php

Thank you all so much for filling me in on such short notice. I have started reading the online book and if at any point I find the book too confusing, I might ask questions, but for now I'm managing. Brock, I understand the program works best when one attends the meetings, but my not being able to go is truly not a whim in my current situation. Should the situation change and I not be physically restricted from attending, I'll most definitely go. Perhaps PaigeB is onto something with her suggestion I travel out of town a short distance, seeing as I already commute to work anyway. Thanks again, everyone.